Quick Definition
Break Down — To stop working (machine/vehicle); to collapse emotionally; to analyse something into parts.
Meanings of Break Down
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Stop functioning | The car broke down on the motorway. | The engine failed completely. |
| Lose emotional control | She broke down in tears at the news. | She started crying uncontrollably. |
| Analyse / divide | Break the budget down into monthly figures. | Separate it into smaller parts. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| The car broke down on the motorway. | The engine failed completely. |
| She broke down in tears at the news. | She started crying uncontrollably. |
| Break the budget down into monthly figures. | Separate it into smaller parts. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll break down it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: separable | Transitivity: intransitive / transitive
Intransitive when a machine fails (The printer broke down). Transitive and separable when meaning 'analyse' (break it down / break down the data).
How to Use Break Down
Neutral in all three meanings. 'Break down' in the emotional sense is common in conversation; in the analytical sense it is also used in formal writing.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | The car broke down on the motorway. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Break Down
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Break Down
What does "Break Down" mean?
"Break Down" means: To stop working (machine/vehicle); to collapse emotionally; to analyse something into parts. It is a intransitive / transitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B1.
Is "Break Down" separable or inseparable?
"Break Down" is separable. Intransitive when a machine fails (The printer broke down). Transitive and separable when meaning 'analyse' (break it down / break down the data).
How do I use "Break Down" in a sentence?
The car broke down on the motorway. -- in this example, 'Break Down' means the engine failed completely.
What is the register of "Break Down"?
Neutral in all three meanings. 'Break down' in the emotional sense is common in conversation; in the analytical sense it is also used in formal writing.
What CEFR level is "Break Down"?
"Break Down" is typically taught at CEFR B1 — Intermediate level. It appears frequently in neutral in all three meanings contexts.
What is the difference between "Break Down" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Break Down" specifically means: To stop working (machine/vehicle); to collapse emotionally; to analyse something into parts. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Break Down" be used formally?
Neutral in all three meanings. 'Break down' in the emotional sense is common in conversation; in the analytical sense it is also used in formal writing. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Break Down" take an object?
"Break Down" is intransitive / transitive. Intransitive when a machine fails (The printer broke down). Transitive and separable when meaning 'analyse' (break it down / break down the data).
How can I practise "Break Down"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Break Down' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Break Down" used in British or American English?
"Break Down" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Neutral in all three meanings. 'Break down' in the emotional sense is common in conversation; in the analytical sense it is also used in formal writing.